TRACK INSPECTION
CN’s Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) uses railcars equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence that automatically scan and analyze tracks while operating in revenue-service freight trains. BY MATT ALDERTON, FOR BENTLEY SYSTEMS
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espite the dramatic nature of railroad accidents, conveying goods and passengers by rail is the safest form of ground transportation when compared with other modes. Railway owner-operators are continually finding and implementing new safety innovations that could help prevent accidents and disruptions to service. 44 Railway Age // November 2020
According to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data, there were more than 18,000 train accidents in the United States between 2010 and 2019. Though major ones are rare within the scope of MGTs (million gross ton-miles) and train-miles operated, they can impact the economy. “Rail is the backbone of our supply chain, so major accidents, though few and far between, have huge economic impacts
in terms of safety and reliability,” said Dan Vogen, Vice President of Road and Rail Asset Management at engineering software company Bentley Systems. Vogen has worked with transportation agencies for the past 27 years, focusing on asset inventory, operation, maintenance, analytics, and oversize/overweight permitting automation. Additionally, he works with global development and implementation teams railwayage.com
